Sian sets her sights on the roof of Africa

Sian Copley of Ponteland, who will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Published:17:50Friday 29 June 2012

A PONTELAND medical student will be hitting the heights in a big way to raise money for charity.

The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is where Sian Copley is aiming to be when she joins a group of climbers to take on the challenge in September.

The 22-year-old is hoping to raise £2,500 for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) by completing the six-day expedition in Tanzania, which is run by Student Adventures.

She is currently in the process of completing her degree at Newcastle University.

“A couple of people I know at university said they were doing the trek and as it’s on my list of things to do, I quickly signed up,” she said.

“I’m also taking on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro because the work that MRF does into researching meningitis and septicaemia is so important.

“As I’ve studied medicine, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating effect that diseases can have on sufferers and their families, with some cases resulting in death or permanent disability.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m often doing planning and research when I take a break from studying. We get a few days to ourselves afterwards and I’ll be looking to go on safari in Tanzania and Kenya (a neighbouring country).”

Sian is doing some training in advance of her departure in Scotland and the Lake District.

She is hoping to work as a doctor and has gained experience in hospitals in England – RVI, North Tyneside General and the Cumberland Infirmary – as well as in Canada and Barbados during an elective.

To sponsor Sian, visit her online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Sian-Copley